Slave songs were adopted elements of African and European musical traditions and helped influence a lot of music genres that still exist today, including gospel, jazz, blues, and R&B/Soul. The songs were used for three purposes, religious, recreational, and work. These songs would help motivate, unite, and comfort during bad times. Music also played an important part in the Underground Railroad, songs like Follow the Drinking Gourd had secret codes hidden in the lyrics. The Drinking Gourd is a code name for the big dipper; the big dipper leads you to the North Star which of course is North.
This is the Shekere which was one of the instruments the slaves used when playing music. They are made of dried out gords and shells, beads, or pebbles.
This is the song Swing Low Sweet Chariot which in this case is being sung by UB40.
Religion
Slaves in America practiced many different religions. Many were Christian, Islamic and Polytheistic, for those who practiced Christianity added strong African elements to the music. Slaves would shun the Christianity practiced by their overseers and masters.
Life Lessons
The older slaves taught their children how to hunt, gather food, and fish. They also taught their children
medical care and how to make herbal medicines. Elder slaves also told their sons and daughters folk tales. The story of High John the Conqueror is one example. The video to your left is the story of High John told by Diane Ferlatte.
This is a picture of High John the Conqueror
Slave Culture in 47 In the book 47 which is written by Walter Mosely there is a huge tie in with slave culture. 47 a slave on a plantation meets a very special friend from another universe, his name is John. John persistently reminds 47 that he is special and that he will change the world. John who is supposed to represent High John tries to get 47 to notice how wrong slavery is. The story of High John is mentioned many times in the story.
Slave Songs
Slave songs were adopted elements of African and European musical traditions and helped influence a lot of music genres that still exist today, including gospel, jazz, blues, and R&B/Soul. The songs were used for three purposes, religious, recreational, and work. These songs would help motivate, unite, and comfort during bad times. Music also played an important part in the Underground Railroad, songs like Follow the Drinking Gourd had secret codes hidden in the lyrics. The Drinking Gourd is a code name for the big dipper; the big dipper leads you to the North Star which of course is North.
Religion
Slaves in America practiced many different religions. Many were Christian, Islamic and Polytheistic, for those who practiced Christianity added strong African elements to the music. Slaves would shun the Christianity practiced by their overseers and masters.
Life Lessons
The older slaves taught their children how to hunt, gather food, and fish. They also taught their children
medical care and how to make herbal medicines. Elder slaves also told their sons and daughters folk tales. The story of High John the Conqueror is one example. The video to your left is the story of High John told by Diane Ferlatte.
Slave Culture in 47
In the book 47 which is written by Walter Mosely there is a huge tie in with slave culture. 47 a slave on a plantation meets a very special friend from another universe, his name is John. John persistently reminds 47 that he is special and that he will change the world. John who is supposed to represent High John tries to get 47 to notice how wrong slavery is. The story of High John is mentioned many times in the story.
Here are some links on slave culture...
PBS-Slavery and the Making of America: Arts and Education
PBS-Slavery and the Making of America: Religion
Houghton Mifflin Social Studies: A Closer Look at Slave Culture